Page 83 of Burning Bridges Duet

As I step in the room, I notice Chase standing on the stage with his side facing me, completely unaware of my presence due to the loud music playing in the background. It seems like no students have arrived yet, but just as I’m about to call out his name, one of his female students emerges from the side of the stage and pulls him into a passionate kiss. My heart sinks, and I feel numb all over. In an attempt to shield myself from the sight, I turn around and quickly leave the studio, setting the cup of coffee on the floor outside the door.

I can’t believe I just witnessed Chase kissing one of his students. The pain in my chest is unbearable. How could he do this to me? I thought I wasn’t just another conquest for him, but then again, he never confirmed that. I just assumed, and I had to have hurt him too when I just left yesterday. I can’t seem to process my thoughts, and I feel like I’m in a daze.

“Hey, girl, I almost forgot. We got a letter for you,” Chris says as I get back to her, not registering that I am in shock. She gives me a yellowish envelope addressed to Liv Michaels.

“Thank you,” I say, trying to keep my composure as I take the envelope, but my hands are shaking. I pray that it’s just a coincidence. I can’t handle him finding me.

Except it’s the same envelope, with the same scrawling handwriting. No one from back home knows I’m here, no one but Frank, and he wouldn’t rat me out. I just know it.

“So did you catch Chase before his class?” Chris continues as I frantically open the letter, but I can barely register her words. My shock at this tops the betrayal from Chase. My blood runs cold. It is him.

My heart sinks as I read the letter. He’s found me. He knows where I am and about my new life. My mind races with thoughts of him coming after me, after them. I can’t let that happen. I have to leave to protect them. They’re in danger as long as I’m here.

“Girl? You good?” Chris asks, sounding concerned.

“No” I whisper. “I have to leave.” I look around franticly, hoping none of them come around the corner.

I have to get away from here, from them.

“Please tell them I’m so sorry,” I say, my voice breaking and my eyes watering.

“What the fuck are you talking about, Liv? What happened?” Chris asks as she makes her way around the register, reaching for me.

“No,” I say, stepping out of her reach, holding out a hand to stop her in her tracks. “I’m so sorry, Chris.” My tears are falling freely, and she frowns.

“What are you saying?” she asks, but I just turn and walk out of the life I created for myself, the one he’s taking away.

Again.

Hello Angel,

I’ve missed you. I can’t wait to get to know your new friends.

See you soon.

I love you.